Joel Weinstock, MD, is recognized worldwide for his extensive research on the study of helminths -- small parasitic worms -- and how they can be used to relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. He coined the term “hygiene hypothesis,” the theory that a recent, drastic increase in IBD cases and several other immune-mediated diseases is a direct result of western society becoming “too clean,” thereby killing off beneficial intestinal parasites and bacteria. Dr. Weinstock serves as the Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology at Tufts Medical Center, and is a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Weinstock is board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.